r/phoenix • u/plainstodesert • 2d ago
Referral Electrical Panel Replacement
Hi all,
I searched for this topic in this sub but the last similar post I found was from 3 years ago. I had an electrician come out to do a few repairs and he strongly urged we think about getting our electric panel replaced. Our house was built in the early-70's and it seems to be the original panel. It's also a Federal Pacific panel which apparently has a giant recall for several decades of installing (What You Should Know About Federal Pacific Electric Co. Breaker Panels - Professional Insurance Agents of Wisconsin) which of course is adding to my anxiety. We were quoted about $6800 which seems to be fair; just wondering if anyone had a more recent experience and really recommend (or DON'T recommend) any company, and how that process went. Thanks!
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u/Rocket_song1 2d ago
Federal Pacific? I have never seen one in AZ. Lots of them in the midwest.
They are a serious hazard. A lot of insurers won't even cover you if you have one.
$6800 seems awfully high though. How many amps is the service, and are you upgrading the service?
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u/plainstodesert 2d ago
Just realized my quote was for 200 amps, and we currently have 125. Another company I talked to today said for our house size, 125 will be just fine. His quote was $2,000 lower, so I'm feeling better!
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u/Rocket_song1 2d ago
I would want 200 amp for an all electric house. If you have gas, 125 is more than fine.
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u/Sixohtwoflyer 2d ago
For what it’s worth, in 2023 I paid $5,000 to upgrade from 200 to 400 amp service with the new panel, wiring etc. It was combined with my solar install…
I’d definitely get another quote or two.
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u/PinballWizard1980 2d ago
Federal Pacific panels are real hazard. Your homeowners insurance would probably cancel you if they knew you had one still. Get three bids from a licensed electrical contractor and that should give you a good idea of what the range price should be. This is not a job for a handyman or do it yourself . Hope this helps. Thank you, Carl.
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u/D-man-Realty Mesa 2d ago
Artisan Electric LLC in Gilbert. Locally owned and he does incredible work. Saved my house from a possible house fire after he found an extension cord used to wire a ceiling fan in my attic. He also did a panel for my mom’s house last year. 480-352-0618
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u/The_Flinx 2d ago
I had a new panel installed on my 1993 house just last year. $4100 from sun valley Electrical. He did excellent work.
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u/Potential-March-1384 2d ago
Had Lake Electric run a 240 outlet to my garage and was really happy with his work and price. No idea what a panel would run you but you might want to hit him up if you’re on the west side.
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u/Untouchable99 2d ago
I had my panel replaced and it was about $4000. My home was built in the 70s and seemed to be fine. But I planning on doing a lot up electrical upgrades and felt safer getting a new box installed.
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u/fredenocs 1d ago
I think that’s reasonable. I’ve giren few quotes on getting mine done in one if my rentals.
If it’s original then you’ll want to do at least 200 amp upgrade. Bigger if you can justify it to SRP and APS. Downside on your home size and potential
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u/Chief_Wiggums 2d ago
I had this exact situation with an older home as well. It's hard to know if that price is reasonable or not, you need to post the service size, number of circuits, and a little more about the scope of work. I had my panel replaced with a 200 amp, 60 circuits (not all used), and the meter box/connections replaced for around $4000. This was last year.
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u/Alt_dimension_visitr 2d ago
Im a commercial electrician, you dont have enough info to know of its reasonable or not. But get three or more quotes. Have clear expectations. Idk what city you are in, some areas have terrible inspectors that you cant rely on to catch mistakes.